Hidden Gems -Maple Syrup
Mar. 29, 2023 – When daytime temperatures reach above 0 degrees celsius and the nighttime remains freezing, the sap starts to flow. Simcoe County has a very rich tradition of maple syrup making and this year farmers were able to get an early start. Dotted across the county maple syrup production sites, some with their very own sugar shacks, abound. These spots make for a wonderful family outing that all sweet tooths in the family are sure to enjoy.
The Sugar Shack at Backwoods Maple Syrup in Coldwater is open for drop-in visitors Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am to 4 pm. Come by and check out their new equipment. Amber and Dark syrup are now available. Breedon’s Maple Syrup in Alliston offers tours until Mid April on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 am until 3 pm which include demonstrations of sap collection, boiling/evaporation, filtration, grading, bottling and packaging. Syrup can be bought on site. Camphill Maple Syrup prides itself on their commitment to using traditional tap and bucket methods and to employing adults who have intellectual disabilities to produce and sell their products. Lalonde’s Maple Syrup has been a family tradition since 1958. Don’t miss their sugar bush tour. Windlee Farms located in Tiny Township also offers tours and is a local family owned and operated business. Shaw’s Maple syrup in Oro-Medonte is yet another family owned and operated business that has a history dating back over 100 years. Tours via a horse pulled wagon and a chance to view the process and the equipment are also possible. Be sure to try some of their french toast and big fluffy pancakes loaded down with some Shaw’s syrup before you leave. The above mentioned locales are just some of the wonderful spots to explore and enjoy everything maple in Simcoe County. There is always more to discover in Simcoe County so do your own research to uncover even more sweet gems.
Maple infused foods have also become very popular for the sugar seeking foodie crowd and Simcoe County does not disappoint. Copperpot Nuts has become wildly popular in recent years. Made with backwoods maple syrup from Coldwater, two varieties are currently available: peanut and pecan. Survey says, “Delicious!” Everything Maple and More can be found in Waubaushene and offers gourmet maple products that include traditional maple syrup and maple butter, salad dressings, jams/jellies, BBQ sauces, mustards, horseradish, dessert topping and candy.
Georgian Bakery in Midland offers a selection of products made with Windlee Farms maple syrup. Hot Stacks of Cookstown features Breedon’s Maple Syrup while Pier One Restaurant in Lagoon City uses Harrington’s Maple Syrup to sweeten the meal.
Lastly, don’t forget to check out one of the largest one day Maple Syrup Festivals in Ontario coming up on Saturday April 29th from 8 am until 4 pm. The 55th Elmvale Maple Syrup Festival will feature a Pancake House, Live Entertainment, a variety of Arts and Crafts and over 200 Street Vendors. Be sure to mark the date to end April on a super sweet note.
